The Vintage Canvas Brings Arts & Crafts Studio To Farmingdale

FARMINGDALE, NY — Lifelong artist Lorraine Dicarlo achieved a dream of hers when she officially opened her first business earlier in the week. The Vintage Canvas brings arts and crafts to Farmingdale in the form of instructional classes, products and a general workspace.

Dicarlo, 42, has been doing art since she was 7 years old. She took art courses for two years at Southampton College, majoring in art and minoring in child education. Dicarlo was once a preschool teacher. Now, at her store, she'll teach art to anyone willing to learn.

"It only took me 42 years to figure out how to do both things that I love," Dicarlo, who goes by Raine, told Patch. "I love children, and I’ve wanted a studio my whole life. It took a long time to put it all together, and I figured it out. I just love working with children, and I love art. So what better way then to teach them? It’s perfect."

Dicarlo's late mother played a large role in pushing her down the path towards her dreams, she said.

"She told me my whole life, ‘Do your art, Do your art.’ I finally figured out how to do my art, and she’s no longer with us," Dicarlo said.

Dicarlo is a lifelong Massapequa resident who loves Farmingdale. So when an opportunity to claim 459 Main St., formerly Jackie's Hair Salon, arose, she pounced.

"Massapequa is a very nice, family-knit community," she said. "But Farmingdale is a strong community. Being on Main Street and with all the family-oriented things they do on Main Street alone, I just had to be part of that. That, and the fact that Farmingdale seems to be the central point of Long Island in a sense."

The launch of The Vintage Canvas happens at a time when communities are still feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The store's grand opening was slated for April, but due to the lock down, it was postponed for more than five months. Both safety and finances are of "huge concern" to Dicarlo, she said. She's taking health measures very seriously to keep her staff of four - herself included - and clientele safe.

The max capacity of all classes is currently limited, there are two washing stations, and bottles of hand sanitizer are placed throughout the room. As far as money, the anticipated enrollment in classes is "way down," and Dicarlo is fielding a lot of questions related to social distancing. Dicarlo said she'll host private lessons for small groups of kids at someone's home in order to ease concerns.

A wide array of classes are offered on-site: drawing, sketching, painting and cartooning at all different age levels. A toddler program focuses on art through music and stories. There are also courses in mixed media and cartooning. The Vintage Canvas also hosts ladies' nights, where participants make wood pallets and do step-by-step canvasses. The schedule can be found on The Vintage Canvas website, as well as its social media channels.

The staff will also run events, such as birthday parties for children, as well as bachelorette and bridal shower parties.

The store will also be open for those who wish to come in, grab a brush and canvas, sit down and paint. However, due to COVID-19, no walk-ins will be allowed when a class is going on. In the future, though, there will be designated areas for walk-ins and classes.

There won't be an art gallery section in the store, Dicarlo said, although after each "season" of classes, there will be an art show to feature the work of both children and adults.

The "gallery" tab of the business's website lists products such as canvasses, pallets, porch signs, clocks, wine bottles and mason jars. Anyone can head to the store to create an item for themselves, or they can commission the staff to make it for them for a slight extra fee. The estimated turnaround time on products is generally two to five days, but it can be done within 24 hours if needed, Dicarlo said.

Raine is looking to create a fun environment at her store.

"We’re pretty laid back. What’s here is for everybody to utilize. We’re here to have fun. We’re taking all the precautions to help with the COVID situation."

The Vintage Canvas can be reached at 516-586-3200.

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